Chapter 22: Dirty Little Secrets
Disclaimer: The characters and basically the story are Stephenie Meyer's just tweaked for my crazy mind. Plus my loving mind that is screaming for reviews but not to stop writing! ;p ;) ;p
~"~ ~"~ ~"~ Bella's point of view
"Well one you could come over here." Jared shouted which had Edward whipping us around, as his arm had wrapped around me when Merana had shifted. Though the moment Jared saw us he just laughed and gestured for us to move. "Come on, you need to move." Smiling as I stepped to him only to find myself being swopped up and carried to Jared, I started laughing. Once we were standing by Jared Merana relaxed only for our moment of calm to be destroyed by some guy.
"Now when you said a fire cracker I thought of some short girl with an attitude not a beast of a woman." Merana hearing this flipped her head around and growled at him. "Now hey chicky don't by like that. We still can have some fun! Though how I don't know." Edward and Jared not liking his tune were in his face, as well as Paul. I wasn't sure if that was because of their connection with Merana or that they just felt protective of her but it really stroke a cord in me. "Oh now I see you have a full house."
Now before anyone could stop me I was running over and in the guys face. Why I took my frustrations out on him I don't know but I did. "Now listen here you twerp, that's our friend and you have no right in speaking otherwise to apologize for being an oaf."
The guy just stared down at me being as I once again was the shortest one. If I had to say I would say around 5'9 or taller but I was just guessing. And I didn't have to look him over to see he was built and tensed. Just looking into his eyes told me that he wasn't shy on using violence to get what he wanted or about killing. It just made me that more determined to stand my ground. Instead I just glared at him and pointed to Merana like I was waiting for his response or apology in this instance.
He on the other hand just arched his eyebrow at me, like he was going to hit me. No I don't think he was thinking of hitting me, no he was thinking of how much he was going to hurt me but not sure how much he could before someone stopped him.
"Lalan you nitwit just do it." Now this voice though showing the person's annoyance made me feel relax. How I can't say for I didn't even turn from Lalan, as was the twerp's name, to see the newcomer. "Hello I am Zander and that nitwit is my baby brother who likes to speak before thinking. Not that he even knows how to. Lalan we're all waiting."
"Damn Zan do you always have to interfere with my fun." Just as he said that I did notice some movement at the corner of my eye, which in turn caused Lalan to cringe before he uttered. "Ok, ok I am sorry for interrupting." waving my hand as it seemed he was finished he picked back up and added, "And for what I said."
At that I stepped back only to find Edward right there, Carlisle to my right (that movement I noticed earlier), Jared to my left and Paul right next to him. Well if he had thought Merana was a fire-cracker now he knew I was and that I was protected. Because as soon as I got Edward to move I saw that the Cullens and Jake were standing there as well. Though the rest of the pack was standing before Merana it was to the side where Paul and Jake actually stood with the Cullens.
Ok yes this was turning into a weird day but a good one. Especially when you could get the pack and the Cullens to stand as one.
Only my brief of happiness was squashed as Merana burst into flames. No one moved and if they did it was to step back but other then that no one moved. It was amazing to see her go up and then watch as the flames calm down and take form. At first you couldn't see anything then I could see the shape of Merana. Only she wasn't wearing the clothes I had loaned her.
No what she was wearing was not my clothes. For I don't own a dress like that or have ever seen one like that. It was so simple and complex that I could do nothing but stare.
It was a simple straight dress with a sweetheart neckline only at the hips there was some play as it looked that it wrapped around her giving the look of layers. Except that the top was covered in lace from the neck to the hips, covering her chest and back as the dress dropped low there. Then where the lace stopped is were the wrap effect started. It wasn't tight but hugged her like a second skin, well where the top half was concerned. The bottom half flared when she moved and that's when I noticed she was barefoot.
The colors even added to the complex look. The skirt started with dark blue and lighten as it rose to her hips where it switched to yellow. Not a bright nor mellow but a deep yellow, that even strikes through the blue like the sun does when it is sitting. Though what really made it pop was the white of the lace. It looked like clouds as it flowed to hers hips where it was layered heavily and broke the blue from the yellow.
It was just beautifully and I couldn't stop staring even as she began moving.
At first I thought Merana was heading to Jared but when Jared and her veered past me to stop in front of Zander, I think for I had never turned to see him but he was the only new guy well besides Lalan and I wasn't giving him any credit, I just gasped for that was... It was the look in Merana's eyes that had me.
"Hello Zander, I'm Merana. Though Jared always referred to you as Chef!" Merana said as she extended her hand to him. Zander seeing no harm gladly accepted it, only his brother interfered.
"Yeah this is Zander otherwise know as Chef to a few. But I'm Lalan and I greatly ask for your acceptance to my apology for I was struck by you and what you are capable of." Lalan said accepting Merana's hand and bowing like he was some gentleman. I could see Merana wasn't having it but her attention was on Zander not Lalan. Then I remembered something but as I stepped forward a twig broke.
Spinning around Zander was looking to the trees. His back was to me so I couldn't see his face but I could hear him. Lalan seeing as his moment was gone stood but really close to Merana.
"So you finally caught up with us?" Zander announced like he was making a big joke.
"Oh laugh all you what but remember what I can do." A woman's voice echoed from the trees just before she appeared, only she wasn't alone. "So what did we miss?"
Though they were at the edge of the trees and my view was obstructed by Merana and Zander I could see that she was a brunette, short (maybe a bit taller then me), white and curvy. The other woman next to her was dark skinned, short black hair, and even shorter then her.
"Not much Lalan making an ass of himself and…" Zander explained as he stepped closer to her, obstructing my view even more before he added. "… and a dragon. How was your stroll Diana?"
"What a dragon? You can't just say that then ask how my trek was." She practically yelled at him before stepping around him and walking to Merana. "Hello I am Diana and this is Kalia. We've come to help."
"That's wonderful to hear. I am Merana and this is Jared. The others will introduce themselves as they catch on." Merana said as she moved around Lalan and embraced Diana and Kalia. "Hope the trip wasn't to much of a hassle?"
"Oh no just like any other day!" Diana said laughing as she stepped closer to Zander.
Seeing as no one else was moving I stepped closer only to be stopped by Edward. It seems even with everyone here he is still wary of other vampires. So speaking up I introduced us. "Hi I am Bella and this brute is Edward..." I said gesturing to him then turning in his arms I motioned to everyone else. "that is Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Alice, Rose, and Emmett… where are you."
"Right here little sis." Emmett boomed from behind Lalan. "Hey Lalan watch your thoughts their not as private as you think any more." With that Emmett hit him.
Gasping as I watched the poor nitwit fly over the ground and smash into a tree, I struggled against Edward until he spoke. "Sorry about that but I wasn't really liking his thoughts or that they involved my Bella. Though what he was planning for later really pissed Emmett off." looking over to Alice I saw her standing next to Rose who was just fuming. Whatever Lalan was thinking I take it involved Rose, though I really doubted he would have gotten anywhere with her.
"Yes please guard what you think and what you choice to do. For there are those among us that are gifted with insight to them and will act as you see." Merana said as she moved only to Lalan. Crouching down she extended her hand to him, but as he took it she pulled him in close. "I will accept your apologize only on the bases of your brother who seems more sincere then you."
At that Sam stepped forward. "I am Sam and leader of my pack. We ask that you stay away from our people and mind the rules that were accepted by the Cullens."
"Yes Sam we will see that they follow the rules while they are here and thank you for accepting them here." Carlisle very quickly added as he stepped close to him and to Zander. "We welcome all those that will help and understand we don't kill the inhabits of our town."
"Will that is nice to see that others of the walk of death can be civil. Don't you think Lalan." Kalia said as she approached Sam. "I am Kalia and will enforce your rules, as I am a witch and wish to protect all life." At her statement Alice was next to her.
"A witch, a true witch. I have so many questions for you. Please a moment of your time!" At Alice's over the top zeal, I started laughing. Edward unable to hold back buried his head in my hair as he laughed to.
Thanks to Alice the tension was broken and everyone was smiling, snickering, or just relaxing. It was great. Even Merana was relaxing though on Jared. So taking the opportunity I dragged Edward, being as he still wasn't letting me go, over to Merana.
"Merana is that him? Is that who you have been looking for?" I asked though as quietly as I could though I should have knew that my whispering wasn't low enough to avoid eavesdroppers.
"What are you talking about Bella?" Edward said looking from me to Merana.
But before either one of us could respond, Jared jumped in. "Alright I want everyone to go home, get dress, invite whoever they want, then meet back here in three hours for an old fashion cookout."
"What Jared no, I can't..." Merana started to say as she turned around but Jared interrupted her. "I loved Lucinda and will miss her but this is a day to celebrate not run from. It is how she would have wanted it. Right!"
Merana didn't reply she just stared at Jared, mostly likely having a private conversation with him, but the way she looked at him and the way he looked at her. Had me wondering if they we're hiding something.
"Ok Carlisle do you think you can get enough food and tables, plus a stereo system up here. For M'a is going to dance and going to have fun this night!" Jared all but yelled as he never broke eye contact with Merana.
"Yes I do believe I can arrange something." Carlisle answered but lowly like something was getting to him. Then he looked to Sam and calmly added "If Sam promises to come and bring the pack. For we need to talk."
"The pack will come if Merana promises to answer all of our questions tonight." Sam said as he looked to Merana.
"Alright, yes come and I will answer your questions but I want Emily and Kim here to. I want to apologize for what happen and tell them myself about Lucinda. Please." Merana said as she broke eye contact with Jared to look to Sam.
"I will see but I can not promise anything." Sam said looking down. I knew he really didn't want Emily here but I couldn't say no not after everything she had done. Plus he really wanted his questions answered.
"Yes that is understandable. Just come if you want your answers." Jared said before scooping Merana up and running into the woods with her laughing. "We'll see you all in three hours. Carlisle we will be by the house in an few to help."
"Ok..." Just as Carlisle said that though Jared and Merana were gone. Being as his back was to me I couldn't see his face but the shaking of his head had me worried let a lone the tone of his voice when he spoke had me wondering if he was upset. But I didn't have time to think about it for he was turning to Zander, "Well Zander if you follow us we'll show you our house and get the preparations for the cookout tonight."
Then like that we were off, I on Edward backs, Diana on Zander's, and Kalia on Alice's, as she bombarded her with questions. It was funny but I wasn't laughing for I was listening.
As it was interesting to hear about how Kalia's family was all witches, will on her mothers side and that they dated back to before Columbus sailed to America. Then at the house we split up or the Cullen's did to get everything. While Diana, Kalia, and I got to know each other, like I wasn't the only human to fall for a vampire or that Lalan wasn't a vampire. But he was still dangerous.
Then like Jared had said he and Merana showed up, though Merana looked as flushed as can be and refused to speak as to what they had been doing. Except the food they brought spoke that they had gone hunting. But the strangest thing though was Carlisle badgering her about it and I couldn't understand why.
Or the fact that as soon as she walked in the door Merana was by Emmett's side and massaging his shoulders. Rose didn't lash out or yell at Merana instead she hugged her. Ok something had happened and Emmett had been hurt but as soon as I got up to ask Esme called me into the kitchen. Where I ended up staying, helping Esme make all kinds of goodies and food for the cookout. It seemed she wasn't sure what to feed the pack and wanted to make a good impression.
I was really happy when Diana, Alice, Kalia, and Merana came to help. Which meant a lot was made and fast. Though my head wasn't in it for I had questions and wanted answers but was willing to wait.
So while at the clearing overlooking the ocean I asked Jared. While Merana and Carlisle were busy doing other things, like dancing to the music as Merana was doing or helping with the supplies like Carlisle was. Giving me time and coverage to badger Jared without someone eavesdropping.
"Jared why was Carlisle so adamant about where you and Merana went?" I asked not trying to sugar coat or be nice about my curiosity. For ever since they showed up Carlisle has been watching them like a hawk and if it wasn't for Alice dragging him away he would still be here hovering over them. So seeing Jared tense before turning to look at me tells me that I am not supposed to be asking. "Jared I just want to understand what is going on."
"It's not something I can truly explain besides that it doesn't make sense to outsiders." Jared explained as he looked over to Merana. "Plus I hate talking about it."
"I can see you love her and will do anything for her." Taking a breath before I said the next part I stepped closer and spoke as softly as I humanly could, "I know you have imprinted on her." At that I had his full attention as he head snapped to stare at me in shock. "I'm absorbent or so I've been told, but then again my best friend is a wolf in a pack. So I know and seen what imprinting is like. You have been trying to hide it but there are moments, glances, touches that are hard to stop that I saw." Jared just smiled like the secret was out or that he was happy that someone noticed. "So I ask why is Carlisle adamant about you two?"
"Because Bella they can't be together. Merana can not be with just anyone, for she is someone and Jared would be destroyed if it ever got out that he even touched her as we saw earlier today." Esme explained appearing behind me and scaring the shit out of me. "Now don't speak of this again for I have asked Carlisle to lay off for this will just add to Merana's pain today." Walking up to Jared Esme placed her hand on his shoulder and said softly but loud enough for me to hear. "Whatever you two are I am happy for you and wish you will!" At that she was gone to help Carlisle who just showed up with Alice and Jasper with more coolers of food or drinks.
To me it didn't matter for I just turned and looked for Edward. I really needed him. I just could never image loving him and then be told that I couldn't be with him because of who I was. 'How could life be so cruel?'
Just as I found Edward I heard a song come on that had me crying. It was Ne-Yo's Let Me love you (Until you learn to love Yourself). Running into Edward's arms I took a chance and looked to see Jared and Merana dancing. It seemed they weren't going to care who saw them together for they were just perfect together as they danced.
Merana in that amazing dress and Jared in some blacks slacks and a simple button up white shirt. If I didn't know any better I would say we were at their wedding or reception but... Wait could it be... That sparkle before on her left hand... Now I was smiling and laughing which had Edward looking at me like I had lost it.
So what do you think a start and something to build on. I hope you get it because I don't know since no one reviews... So how about this is you haven't caught on don't review but if you have don't review... Ok because I am just enjoying reading nothing and getting no feedback. Plus the schedule gives me time to think in between chapters and fix any mistakes that I didn't catch before posting. So yeah I will continue to write and post when you are ready for another chapter... ;p ;) ;p ok~~ Mary Mab